The mCX is self-righting. The mQX and some others are not. The new mini Heli-Max SQ1 is self-righting also (from what I have heard). It returns to level after centering the stick. I find nose-in with my quads easier than helicopters. But that's me.

Click to expand...

Since the topic of self-levelling came up, I thought I'd run outside and shoot a quick demo with my hexcopter.

I'm running the KK2 flight controller from Hobby King, with v1.5 of the firmware. Last I heard, the KK2 was still shipping with 1.2 installed, so you'll have to update to 1.5 to get this feature. (It's actually there in earlier versions, but seems to be just a placeholder in the code. It doesn't actually do much, if anything)

Self-Level can by turned off & on with an AUX channel. I connected mine to my landing gear. I wanted to keep my other AUX channels available for camera control. Besides, I have to be level to land, right? With the gear down, self-level is on. Gear up, it's off.

As you can see in the video, when my gear is down (self-level ON) the hex snaps back to level whenever I let go of the stick. When the gear is up (self-level OFF), it stays in whatever position I left it until I grab the stick and correct it myself.

Since the topic of self-levelling came up, I thought I'd run outside and shoot a quick demo with my hexcopter.

I'm running the KK2 flight controller from Hobby King, with v1.5 of the firmware. Last I heard, the KK2 was still shipping with 1.2 installed, so you'll have to update to 1.5 to get this feature. (It's actually there in earlier versions, but seems to be just a placeholder in the code. It doesn't actually do much, if anything)

Self-Level can by turned off & on with an AUX channel. I connected mine to my landing gear. I wanted to keep my other AUX channels available for camera control. Besides, I have to be level to land, right? With the gear down, self-level is on. Gear up, it's off.

As you can see in the video, when my gear is down (self-level ON) the hex snaps back to level whenever I let go of the stick. When the gear is up (self-level OFF), it stays in whatever position I left it until I grab the stick and correct it myself.

Be really cool to have that H quad design built out of carbon fiber. I've talked to a friend here locally who owns a CF business about other projects and it is very expensive to do one off's. But it would be cool!!

Be really cool to have that H quad design built out of carbon fiber. I've talked to a friend here locally who owns a CF business about other projects and it is very expensive to do one off's. But it would be cool!!

But wouldn't I need the receiver if I build my own quad - so should I buy a different DX6i now? Or is the receiver usually bought on it's own anyway when you build from scratch?

Does the $159 unit from .com include a receiver - I can't tell the difference between this and the euro 99 one...

Click to expand...

you can buy a receiver for $6-$20 many places online. The receiver I just bought for my Hex cost $12 I think at Hobby King.

I'd just buy the cheaper radio and then get a receiver when you need it. You should consider the DX7 as well. A little more money, but the feature set is better. There are online comparisons that should clarify it for you. You may not need the added features of the 7 now, but you might want them later. I bought a used DX7 (not the S) for $100 locally and I'm pleased with it.